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Büsser, Henri. (1872–1973)

Signed Postcard Portrait with Autograph Note

Original postcard portrait of the French classical composer, organist, and conductor, signed at the foot and with an autograph note on the verso to French pianist Céliny Chailley-Richez. Büsser is shown in a lively portrait playing the piano in a dressing gown and cap while a black cat lurks at his feet. In his very difficult to decipher writing, he has inscribed the card on the verso to Chailley-Richez with "devoted and affectionate thoughts" ("Chere Celiny, Tres devoue et... affectueuse pensee. Mes souvenirs et amities toutes sans oublier de...") and has dated Paris, September 20, 1946. Some light toning; otherwise in fine condition. 3.5 x 5.5 inches (8.8 x 13.9 cm).

Büsser began teaching at the Paris Conservatoire in 1921, and was promoted to professor of composition in 1931. Hi wife was the dramatic soprano Yvonne Gall. His most important works were for the stage, including the operas Daphnis et Chloé, Colomba and Les noces corinthiennes. He composed in a sophisticated compositional style with finely crafted orchestration, but remained faithful to 19th-century French tradition.

Born to a musical family in 1894, pianist and teacher Céliny Chailley-Richez was a star student at the Conservatoire de Paris before marrying violinist Marcel Chailley in 1908. Together, the couple led summer music courses at their home in Seignelay, where students included Ivry Gitlis, Lola Bobesco and Denise Soriano. Chailley-Richez had a long friendship and musical partnership with Georges Enescu, and was associated with many important French musicians of the era. She died in 1973.
(15444)
Signed PhotographClassical MusicAutograph Letter